What money can’t measure when it comes to poverty

10. Set a realistic budget.

ACCORDING to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country’s absolute poverty rate stood at 5.1% in 2024 while hardcore poverty declined to just 0.09%. The average Poverty Line Income was estimated at RM2,705 per household per month, suggesting that fewer Malaysians are living below the minimum income threshold.

However, these figures tell only part of the story. Income provides a snapshot of earnings, but it does not reflect whether individuals can access essential services such as healthcare, education or safe housing.